As the third most common mineral in the body, potassium is responsible for supporting a wide range of bodily activities. Without sufficient potassium, the heart, brain, kidneys and muscles would not function properly. However, the Western diet’s preponderance of processed foods has created a population with a growing risk of potassium deficiency.

Potassium is an electrolyte that is crucial to the body’s electrical circuitry so that proper signals are conducted to and from the brain and between cells. It works in conjunction with the minerals sodium, calcium, chloride and magnesium. Simply moving a muscle requires potassium. Potassium helps to regulate the heart, which is triggered by potassium to contract, squeezing blood through the body a hundred thousand times each day.

In addition to keeping our muscles and heart in good working condition, potassium is also responsible for healthy bone maintenance, protecting against osteoporosis, reducing high blood pressure, lowering cholesterol and helping the kidneys to filter blood. It can also reduce feelings of stress and anxiety and keeps the body’s water levels balanced.

The recommended daily intake of potassium is as follows:

Infants birth - 6 months: 400 mg/day

Infants 7 - 12 months: 700 mg/day

Children 1 -3 years: 3,000 mg/day

Children 4 - 8 years: 3,800 mg/day

Children 9 - 13 years: 4,500 mg/day

Adolescents and Adults 19 years and older: 4,700 mg/day

Breastfeeding women: 5,100 mg/day

Most Americans are potassium deficient. “Relying on convenience and restaurant foods and not eating enough fruits and vegetables is why so many people don’t get enough potassium. Fresh and lightly processed foods, including dairy and meat, have the most potassium,” according to registered dietitian, Marla Heller.

An excess of sodium in the diet (which is common among Americans) can increase the amount of potassium you need. Others at risk of potassium deficiency (hypokalemia) are those who experience diarrhea, vomiting, malabsorption syndromes (such as Crohn’s disease) and excessive sweating. Alcoholics, smokers, drug users, athletes (or anyone who uses their muscles excessively), and those who use diuretics are also prone to hypokalemia. Symptoms include irregular heartbeat, muscle cramps, irritability, chronic diarrhea, weakness and stomach problems.

Food sources abundant in potassium are meat, poultry, fish (cod, salmon, and flounder), dairy products, legumes and fruits and vegetables (particularly bananas, citrus, avocados, tomatoes, potatoes and green leafy vegetables such as Swiss chard). Cooking destroys potassium, so try to eat potassium-rich foods either raw or minimally cooked (lightly steamed or roasted).

Sheldon Road Chiropractic & Massage Therapy
10930 Sheldon Road
Tampa, FL 33626
813.884.1457
www.sheldonroadchiropractic.com
 

The AVP has always recognized that playing on an uneven surface puts a great deal of strain on the bodies of even well-conditioned athletes. So in order to help reduce the risk of injury and prolong players’ careers, the AVP hired a chiropractor named Tim Brown as its first Director of Sports Medicine. Another chiropractic physician named G. Douglas Andersen took over this role a couple of years later. It has become standard practice for a team chiropractor, along with all the necessary adjusting equipment, to accompany the team across the country to each competition on the AVP tour.

Chiropractor Allen M. Manison regularly works with beach volleyball players. He says, “When one considers volleyball injuries, usually the shoulder is the region that gets blamed most. This makes sense as we usually envision volleyball players ‘spiking’ the ball. The rotator cuff and other structures of the shoulder take a beating from the high force and movement that is required of the shoulder.” However, other parts of the body are prone to injury as well. Manison says “I have seen more neck, knee, hip, low back, toe, foot, ankle, and elbow injuries than I would’ve ever imagined! Shoulder injuries are actually about half of the way down on the list of injuries.”

Manison continued, “The beach volleyball game involves tremendous stresses on the body. First, it’s two people per each side of the net, so each athlete has to cover large areas in very short periods of time. Second, the athletes are throwing their bodies around in sand, which certainly does not help with movement. Third, although the sand gives way, the athletes are barefoot and are not getting lots of support for the aggressive maneuvers they are making while they play. Fourth, there is sometimes very little rest as winning teams need to keep playing, and without enough rest and recovery, the risk for injury is increased.”

April Ross, a US Olympic Team beach volleyball player, appreciated the benefits of growing up with chiropractic in her home. She said, “I’ve worked with a lot of chiropractors in my career as a professional beach volleyball player and I grew up having one as my dad, so I think my standards are pretty high! … It’s always pleasant going in for an adjustment. I get a lot of whiplash diving around in the sand and as long as I get in regularly to see [her chiropractor] Dr. Callotta I’m able to deal with it so that I can continue to compete. I don’t know what I would do without her. Now that I am heading to the Olympics I’m counting on her to keep me healthy and ready to win the gold!” (Editor’s note: She did win a silver medal!)

Lisa Rutledge, a professional beach volleyball player had this to say about her chiropractor: “I see Dr. J for chiropractic work about 2 to 3 times a week, and honestly, if I could go more, I would. I play beach volleyball and it takes a serious toll on your body. I’m traveling all over the world – I’m going to Moscow, to Rome, to Korea – and 20-hour flights are not fun. So when I get back my body is just out of alignment, it feels weird, it just doesn’t feel right. So as soon as I get off the plane I book my appointment with Dr. J and I get my adjustment and I feel 100 times better. It really does wonders for your body.”

Sheldon Road Chiropractic & Massage Therapy
10930 Sheldon Road
Tampa, FL 33626
813.884.1457
www.sheldonroadchiropractic.com
 

While many common minerals, such as calcium, potassium, sodium and magnesium are required in larger amounts, others are only necessary in trace amounts. However, modern farming practices have depleted the soil of some of these important trace minerals, resulting in a greater risk of mineral deficiencies in the overall population. A 1992 study found that the mineral content of soil in the
U.S. was 86% lower than it had been a century before.

Minerals are needed in order for our body's enzymes to work and to facilitate the transport of nutrients across cell membranes. Without minerals, our cells would essentially starve. Minerals are responsible for proper conduction of nerve impulses, for the contraction and relaxation of muscle tissue, and they help regulate tissue growth.

Following is a short overview of some of the most important minerals for our health:

• Calcium supports bone formation, muscles, the heart and the digestive system. A persistent feeling of "pins and needles" may indicate a calcium deficiency. Other symptoms include rashes and muscle cramps. Magnesium is necessary for the proper absorption of calcium.
   
• Copper helps the intestines in the absorption of iron from food. Copper deficiency sometimes leads to anemia, as low copper intake makes iron absorption far more difficult.
   
• Iodine is key to the production of thyroid hormones, particularly thyroxine. Seafood and seaweed are the best sources of iodine. In areas where seafood is scarce, governments often add iodine to salt or other foods. Iodine deficiency can cause goiter and mental problems.
   
• Iron is particularly important to red blood cells, as it allows our blood to transport oxygen. Insufficiency iron in the diet leads to anemia, whereas too much iron can cause serious liver problems.
   
• Magnesium is used mainly by the bones and teeth. Although it is necessary for calcium absorption, many people do not get enough of this mineral. Low levels of magnesium can cause weakness and muscle cramps, and a severe deficiency can cause cardiac arrhythmia.
   
• Manganese is used for enzyme production, and is also important for wound healing. Those with low levels of manganese heal very slowly.
   
• Molybdenum is needed in trace amounts for the development of the nervous system, waste processing by the kidneys, and cellular energy production.
   
• Phosphorus is a major component of teeth and bones and plays a key role in the body's system of energy storage. It is also integral to many of the body's chemical reactions.
   
• Potassium  works with sodium in the regulation of the body's energy supply. It also supports the nervous and digestive systems. Muscle cramps and high blood pressure are the most common deficiency symptoms.
   
• Selenium is most important for the health of the thyroid gland, the heart and cartilage. Low levels of selenium can lead to thyroid disease.
   
• Sodium helps to regulate the body's energy supply and supports the nervous and digestive systems. Too little sodium can cause headaches, nausea and confusion, whereas too much sodium causes weakness, lethargy and edema.
   
• Zinc is important for the production of healthy sperm and is necessary for several liver functions. A lack of zinc causes sensory problems as well as hair loss and skin lesions.
   

Sheldon Road Chiropractic & Massage Therapy
10930 Sheldon Road
Tampa, FL 33626
813.884.1457
www.sheldonroadchiropractic.com
 

Thank you everyone for joining our Facebook page. If you didn't win this time, don't fret! We will be hosting Facebook drawings on the 15th of every month. All you need to do to qualify is "Like" us on our Facebook page here and a winner will be randomly selected each time.

Thank you for your participation and good luck on our future drawings!

-:- Laura
 

Sheldon Road Chiropractic & Massage Therapy
10930 Sheldon Road
Tampa, FL 33626
813.884.1457
www.sheldonroadchiropractic.com
 

For more information about the M6 Laser please click here. Any additional questions please give us a call  813.884.1457.

Sheldon Road Chiropractic & Massage Therapy
10930 Sheldon Road
Tampa, FL 33626
813.884.1457
www.sheldonroadchiropractic.com
   

Fascial tissue is a web-like covering of connective tissue that supports and protects the body’s muscles and organs. In its healthy state, it is supple and resilient and moves easily over our muscles. However, the fascia can become tight and inflexible over time due to overuse, injury or illness. Scar tissue can also build up in the muscles, making them short, inelastic and fibrous, increasing the restriction in movement. In time, nerve roots may become stuck in these adhesions, increasing pain and causing numbness and loss of function.

A practitioner of myofascial release technique will use differing amounts of sustained pressure to slowly stretch and lengthen shortened muscle fibers and release adhesions in the soft tissue. It is similar to massage, but is generally slower, deeper and more sustained in its manipulation of the muscles and fascia. Your therapist will locate tight, knotted areas and apply slow, sustained pressure to them. As the adhesions and scar tissue are broken up, elasticity is returned to the soft tissue and trapped nerve roots are released, eliminating pain and restoring full range-of-motion. This also allows you to respond better to chiropractic treatment and perform any rehabilitation exercises that your chiropractor may suggest.

Among the conditions that myofascial release technique may improve are the following:

• Neck and back pain
• Headaches and migraines
• Injury from auto accidents
• Fibromyalgia
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis
• Osteoarthritis
• Head trauma
• Birth trauma
• Chronic pain & dysfunction
• Recurring sports injuries
• Tennis elbow

Because of the nature of fascial adhesions, MRT performed on a problem area in one part of the body may help to relieve pain in other parts of the body as well. For instance, releasing adhesions in your back may help to relieve pain in your legs. Many chiropractors incorporate MRT into their practice. It may be a useful addition to your regular chiropractic treatment.  

Sheldon Road Chiropractic & Massage Therapy
10930 Sheldon Road
Tampa, FL 33626
813.884.1457
www.sheldonroadchiropractic.com
  

 While a wide variety of over-the-counter and prescription medications have been developed to relieve this pain, they generally do little to address the underlying cause of the problem.  In addition, many of these compounds can have unwanted side effects, particularly if they’re used often, over a prolonged period of time or in combination with other medicines.  A growing awareness of both the limitations and risks of pharmaceuticals has led many headache sufferers to explore alternative approaches to managing them, including chiropractic.

 Understanding Headaches

 Headaches occur for many reasons and can vary greatly in their intensity and duration.  They may arise on their own (these are termed “primary headaches” and account for about 90% of all headaches) or be triggered as a result of some other health condition (described as “secondary headaches”).  Chiropractic physicians most commonly encounter three types of headaches in their work:

•  Tension headaches are primary headaches that are brought on by unrelieved muscular contractions in the head, neck and shoulders, usually as a result of stress that cannot find an outlet.  These muscular contractions can themselves become the source of broader tension and stress throughout the body, setting in motion a feedback loop that eventually produces a headache.

•  Migraine headaches are also primary headaches.  They are sometimes referred to as vascular headaches because they happen when blood vessels in the head suddenly expand, or “dilate”.  However, we know that the nervous system and genetic factors are also leading contributors.  Sufferers report a wide range of triggers and related symptoms.  Research into the exact cause of migraines is ongoing, and the condition has stubbornly resisted efforts to find a pharmaceutical “silver bullet”.

• Cervicogenic headaches are secondary headaches produced when pain begins in the neck or back of the head and is referred to the forehead or the area behind, in and around the eyes.  Trauma, chronic tension and disease are some of the more common initial sources of neck pain that is referred to the head.  Trigger points in the neck, shoulder blade and spine may also be sources of these headaches, though they can be much more difficult to identify. 

How Chiropractic Can Help

 There is a large and growing body of medical research that suggests chiropractic care can be effective in preventing or reducing the frequency and severity of primary headaches.  There is also some evidence that it may have benefits for cervicogenic headache sufferers. 

 Chiropractic manipulation of the spine and neck is used to improve the alignment of the spine and relieve muscle tension.  It also reduces nerve irritation and improves vascular flow.  Your chiropractic physician may also include massage and other therapies as part of a well-rounded treatment plan.  He or she will likely suggest exercise, stretching and relaxation techniques as well as nutritional strategies designed to help prevent future headaches.

 If you or someone you know is looking for lasting relief from chronic headaches, we encourage you to call Sheldon Road Chiropractic & Massage Therapy at 813-884-1457 to see how Dr. Kollias or Dr. Derr can help you feel well again! The sooner you make the call, the sooner we can help you put an end to the suffering.  
 

• Headaches and Chiropractic.  American Chiropractic Association.  Accessed August 2011. http://www.acatoday.org/content_css.cfm?CID=2186
• Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine.  AltMD.  Accessed August 2011. http://www.altmd.com/Articles/Headache--Encyclopedia-of-Alternative-Medicine
• Information for Patients.  American Headache Society.  Accessed August 2011http://www.achenet.org/education/patients/index.asp
• Research Spotlight:  Study of Spinal Manipulative Therapy for Neck-Related Headaches Reports Findings on Dose and Efficacy.  National Institutes of Health,NationalCenterfor Complementary and Alternative Medicine.  Accessed August 2011. http://nccam.nih.gov/research/results/spotlight/041310.htm
• National Institutes of Health MedlinePlus.  Accessed August 2011. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003024.htm

Sheldon Road Chiropractic & Massage Therapy
10930 Sheldon Road
Tampa, FL 33626
813-884-1457
www.sheldonroadchiropractic.com 

Thank you everyone for joining our Facebook page. If you didn't win this time, don't fret! We will be hosting Facebook drawings on the 15th of every month. All you need to do to qualify is "Like" us on our Facebook page here and a winner will be randomly selected each time.

Thank you for your participation and good luck on our future drawings!

-:- Laura
 

Sheldon Road Chiropractic & Massage Therapy
10930 Sheldon Road
Tampa, FL 33626
813.884.1457
www.sheldonroadchiropractic.com
 

1. Don’t skip breakfast

The morning meal jump starts your metabolism and helps to prevent bingeing later in the day.  A cup of coffee does not count – the caffeine and added sugar may give you a bit of energy and suppress your appetite for a little while, but generally backfires causing severe hunger and overeating later in the day.  Breakfast should include complex carbohydrates like whole grain (granola or oatmeal), along with some protein and fat (low-fat yogurt or milk) to keep your energy levels even and hunger in check.

2. Eat more often

Get into the habit of eating every three to four hours or at least four times a day.  Eating frequently stabilizes blood sugar. When blood sugar drops too low you want to eat…a lot.  By keeping your blood sugar stable you can control your appetite and keep you metabolic rate high.  When you go many hours without eating your body will compensate by slowing down your metabolism to conserve energy.

3. Eat protein at every meal

Protein takes more energy and time to digest, and will leave you feeling full longer than eating carbohydrates alone.  Research shows that eating more protein can help you lose weight without cutting calories. Try these protein possibilities: turkey on whole wheat; hummus and pita; vegetarian chili; fruit and nuts; or protein snack bars that contain 12 or more grams of protein.

4. Hold off on snacking

Many of us grab a snack for quick energy when we are feeling tired,  but do not confuse true hunger with fatigue.  If you are feeling tired
go for a 15-20 minute brisk walk.  This will raise your heart rate and give you a boost of energy.  Follow it up with a large glass of cool
water.  If you are truly hungry have a protein- and complex carbohydrate-rich snack like whole wheat crackers and peanut butter or cheese.

5. Consume enough for your body’s needs

Eating too little slows your body’s metabolism the same way eating too infrequently does.  If you want to lose weight, do not slash your calories too drastically.  Instead, cut out some of the extras in your diet – things like soda, juice, packaged goods or candy.  Processed foods tend to be high in fat and calories and low in vitamins, minerals and fiber.
 

In conclusion it is important to understand that your metabolic rate is controlled by many factors. You can exert a fair amount of control over many of these factors. This article has emphasized how your diet affects your metabolism, but clearly movement is the other major factor. 

 

When you crave a food, the same reward centers in the brain that are responsible for drug and alcohol addiction are more active: the hippocampus (memory), the insula (emotion and perception) and the caudate (memory and learning). These areas are all very receptive to dopamine and serotonin, neurotransmitters that are responsible for feeling relaxed and calm and which spur reward-driven learning. The reason you crave things such as ice cream, potato chips and chocolate is that these items are full of fat and/or sugar. Both fat and sugar are involved in an increased production of serotonin and other chemicals that make us feel good.

There is a large societal aspect to cravings as well. For instance, women in Japan tend to crave sushi and only 6 percent of Egyptian women say they crave chocolate. Approximately half of American women claim that their cravings for chocolate reach a peak just before their period. However, research has found no correlation between fluctuations in women’s hormones and cravings. In fact, postmenopausal women do not report a large reduction in cravings from their premenopausal levels.

Studies have found that the more people try to deny their cravings, the greater the craving they have for the forbidden food. Researchers suggest that it is better to give in to the craving in a controlled way rather than denying yourself altogether. Just be sure to restrict what you consume to a reasonable amount. If your dopamine receptors are constantly bombarded with high-fat and high-sugar foods (or drugs and alcohol), they shut down to prevent an overload. This makes your cravings even greater and you end up eating more in an attempt get the same reward, but you never really feel satisfied.

Exercise and distraction are two good ways to reduce food cravings. One study found that a morning workout can reduce your cravings for the whole day. Smelling a non-food item can also help. Keep a small vial of your favorite perfume with you when a craving comes on and take a whiff when the craving hits you. It will occupy the aroma receptors that are involved in food cravings. 

Barry Bonds, who retired from baseball after a successful 21-year career, and who still holds the all-time Major League Baseball record for home runs, said before his retirement, “I go to my chiropractor on a regular basis, because I want to prolong my career as long as possible. I see him about once a week, in between my training (sessions). By getting an adjustment once a week from him, I feel I can sustain my career a lot longer.” Bonds noted, “I think it should be mandatory for athletes to see a chiropractor.”

Former Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees third baseman Wade Boggs said in a 1997 interview, “Last year I found my Chiropractor and I have been seeing him ever since. I have been pain-free and feeling terrific. I swear by it. Now, it is just maintenance and keeping in line so the nerves don’t touch.” Of his chiropractic treatment to relieve the severe back pain that he had suffered from for nearly 10 years, Boggs said, “I don’t feel that stiffness in the entire midsection anymore. I haven’t winced since I started this… The muscle relaxants weren't working, the prednisone wasn't working, nothing was working anymore. My legs were like jelly.” After his experience, Boggs became something of a self-described “torch-bearer” for chiropractic.

Former major league player Jose Canseco said of chiropractic, “I've found that it’s a great stress reliever to get adjusted. It takes away a lot of the tightness in the muscles.” He noted that chiropractic is useful for baseball players because “When you're out there and you're not feeling the pain, you're obviously going to be a better player.”

Johnny Damon is another staunch supporter of chiropractic. While playing for the New York Yankees in 2007, Damon advised that they hire a team chiropractor. He knew first-hand of the benefits of regular chiropractic care. Damon was one of only three major league players who had gone for at least 10 years in the majors without being put on the disabled list.

Jason Motte, a pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals said of their team chiropractor, Dr. Ralph Filson, “I had issues with my shoulder and arm for a long time. I started seeing Dr. Filson this year. Since then, I have not had any arm problems. The whole team appreciates him and the work he did throughout the season. I know while being under Dr. Filson’s care, I was able to feel 100% while on the mound.”

Over the years Dr. Kollias, Dr. Derr and the staff at Sheldon Road Chiropractic have had the honor of treating baseball players at every level from little league to the major leagues for everything from muscular strains to shoulder injuries to low back pain. Many baseball players realize that staying in proper spinal alignment can not only help in recovery from injury but improve performance as well.
  
Team chiropractors are becoming increasingly common in Major League Baseball, and these athletes’ testimonials strongly suggest that it’s a good move for any team to make if they want to keep their players healthy and performing at their best. 

Sheldon Road Chiropractic & Massage Therapy
10930 Sheldon Road
Tampa, FL 33626
813.884.1457
www.sheldonroadchiropractic.com 

It’s important to note that referred pain is different from radiating pain, in which the pain felt in one area travels down a nerve, causing pain along the length of the nerve. This is often the case with sciatica, where pain originates in the lower back and radiates down the leg.

Some experts believe that it is due to a mix-up in nerve messaging. The central nervous system (CNS) is constantly receiving a barrage of different messages from different parts of the body. These messages may get mixed up somewhere along the path between the place where the irritated nerve is signaling and the spinal cord or brain where pain signals are processed. With an extensive network of interconnected sensory nerves that serve the same region of the body, such as the nerves of the lower back, thighs and hips, it may be more common for signals to get mixed up than you might imagine.

Although referred pain is usually felt as painful, it can also cause feelings of numbness, tingling or the sensation of pins and needles. Another example of referred pain is a tension headache, in which headache pain is due to an irritation of the nerves in the neck.

Referred pain tends not to cross sides of the body. In other words, if the pain signals are originating in the liver or gallbladder (which are on the right side of the body), you may feel pain in your right shoulder. If the signals originate in the pancreas (on the left of the body), you may feel pain in your left shoulder, etc.

Chiropractic adjustments can address the source of the referred pain, leading to long-term pain relief. Nerves in the area of the spinal cord that are irritated due to a spinal misalignment (subluxation) can be a cause of referred pain. When your chiropractor adjusts your spine, he or she removes the source of irritation, thus providing relief.

The Doctors at Sheldon Road Chiropractic and Massage Therapy in Tampa are experienced in determining the origins of where pain comes from by utilizing digital x-ray, performing orthopedic tests and reviewing patient health history.

Sheldon Road Chiropractic & Massage Therapy
10930 Sheldon Road
Tampa, FL 33626
813.884.1457
www.sheldonroadchiropractic.com 

Following are comments from some of the greatest players in basketball about what chiropractic has done for their careers and for their health.

Michael Jordan, 6-time NBA Champion, 6-Time Final MVP and 5-Time NBA MVP, said of chiropractic, “I didn’t know how much I could improve until I started seeing a chiropractor. Since I’ve been in chiropractic, I’ve improved by leaps and bounds, both mentally and physically.”

Derrick Rose, a former NBA all-star point guard for the Chicago Bulls who was named Most Valuable Player, is also a fan of chiropractic. Rose explained how chiropractic treatment was effective in allowing him to recover from back spasms that were severe enough to keep him off the court. In an ESPN interview, Rose said, “The whole week I was seeing a great chiropractor, (Dr.) Stuart Yoss. He did a great job on getting me back.” Rose had been forced to miss five games, the most in his career, but after his chiropractic care he returned to the court in top shape.

According to Gerald Wilkins, former NBA Guard with the New York Knicks, “My shooting has improved because of chiropractic. I feel more balanced and have more coordination and control. Since I have been under chiropractic care, I have improved by leaps and bounds.”

A former point guard for the Utah Jazz, John Stockton was named one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history in 1996. In a 2002 interview, Stockton attributed his continued success on the basketball court at the age of 40 to “a good chiropractor.” Stockton said, “I’m not a good enough expert on what that (chiropractic) entails, but it’s not just adjustments. It’s balancing muscles and overall health. It’s been great for me, and for my family.”

Dr. Craig Buhler, who was the team chiropractor for the Utah Jazz for 26 years, and who treated Stockton, said “Chiropractic care helps to give a team and athlete a competitive advantage in whatever sport they participate in. Specifically, it helps to enhance endurance levels, assist in the recovery from many structural injuries and achieve overall peak performance. By including chiropractic into an athlete’s regular health practices, one is able to maximize training and optimize functional balance and skill.”

Buhler added, “A collaboration of several healthcare professionals is key to caring for elite sporting teams. Chiropractic is an essential component to this healthcare team and, as it continues to become more apparent, athletes are recognizing the value it has for accomplishing their goals of staying in the game and playing at their best."

At Sheldon Road Chiropractic & Massage Therapy in Tampa, both Dr. Kollias and Dr. Derr have had the honor of treating a number of professional athletes during their careers  and will

Sheldon Road Chiropractic & Massage Therapy
10930 Sheldon Road
Tampa, FL 33626
813.884.1457
www.sheldonroadchiropractic.com 

To watch this great video, click here.
 

Thanks for watching!
 

-Dr. Kollias


Sheldon Road Chiropractic & Massage Therapy
10930 Sheldon Road
Tampa, FL 33626
813.884.1457
www.sheldonroadchiropractic.com

Pauling also promoted the idea that high doses of vitamin C could be effective in treating heart disease and in reducing the risk of infection and cancer.  However, since Pauling’s death in 1994 there has been some controversy as to whether high doses of vitamin C really have a positive effect on the immune system.

Scientists do agree that the regular intake of moderate doses of vitamin C (equal to about 200 mg per day) can lessen the severity and shorten the duration of the common cold.  However, they also agree that vitamin C does not generally lower the likelihood of being infected by the cold virus.  There is a notable exception for one part of the population, though.  It has been shown that vitamin C does cut the incidence of colds in half for people involved in intensive physical activities, such as professional skiers and marathon runners.

What about the idea of mega-doses?  A study conducted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) concluded that any vitamin C taken in excess of saturation (that is, beyond the point where the body can absorb and make use of it) is essentially useless and ends up being excreted in the urine.  However, it’s also worth mentioning that all mainstream research on vitamin C had been undertaken using small to moderate doses.

Drs. Steve Hickey and Hilary Roberts decided to investigate the issue further and examined the NIH study in detail as well as clinical reports and independent scientific reports covering a 50-year period.  In their analysis, they found evidence for the usefulness of vitamin C in boosting the immune system and in treating cancer and heart disease.  They also questioned the validity of the NIH findings, noting that the NIH measured levels of vitamin C only in the blood and in white blood cells, which are the cells that are first in line to absorb vitamin C in the body.  Hickey and Roberts suggest that the NIH did not take into account how the other cells in the body utilize vitamin C, especially given the large amount of clinical evidence as to its effectiveness.

Since vitamin C is found abundantly in a wide range of fruits and vegetables and is inexpensive to manufacture, the pharmaceutical companies do not have great interest in paying for large-scale studies on the effect of large doses of vitamin C.  Vitamin C has been demonstrated to increase the production of antibodies and white blood cells and to increase levels of interferon, a substance that helps protect cells from invasion from viruses.  Its antioxidant activity aids in keeping cells healthy so they are better able to guard against disease.

If you are interested in exploring the benefits of vitamin C, it can be found in greatest amounts in citrus fruit, bell peppers (particularly the red peppers), strawberries, broccoli and green leafy vegetables

Supplements are widely available ways in which people choose to maintain a healthy diet. Our Tampa Chiropractors specify that often times when we take vitamin C we are not taking the complex vitamin C; we usually are only obtaining a single or partial component of this supplement. Our Tampa Doctors suggest taking the certified organic & whole food source of vitamin C, called Cataplex C. It is recommended to take two tablets (17mg each, 25% daily value), twice daily with meals. This product has many positive health benefits, including the following:
 

-Supports immune function

-Maintains healthy muscle and skeletal function  

-Keeps heart healthy

-Provides strong antioxidant protection

-Aids in protein metabolism
 

For more information about this important supplement please click the following link:   Cataplex C.



Sheldon Road Chiropractic & Massage Therapy
10930 Sheldon Road
Tampa, FL 33626
813.884.1457
www.sheldonroadchiropractic.com

Dr. Kollias 
 

Sheldon Road Chiropractic & Massage Therapy
10930 Sheldon Road
Tampa, FL 33626
813-884-1457
www.sheldonroadchiropractic.com